Desmond Henry’s work address changed by a couple of hundred yards, but it turned out to be a significant change of scenery and he felt like he entered a new world.

Now playing as an outfielder for the Burlington Royals, Henry joined the parent Kansas City organization in a trade from the Texas Rangers.

But he wasn’t uprooted right away because the organizations share parts of a complex in Surprise, Ariz.

“It’s kind of the same place,” Henry said.

The spring transaction basically meant Henry was moving one parking lot away. To be sure, it has been a new beginning.

Henry ran afoul of the Rangers, limited to two games last summer by a suspension. So his baseball career was barely taking off.

The Royals organization saw the positives of Henry’s makeup, acquiring him in a rather low-profile deal.

“He got in here and was a great fit,” Burlington Royals center fielder Alfredo Escalera said.

Henry was traded in the last week of spring training, becoming the player to be named later for a November deal that sent pitcher Tommy Hottovy from Kansas City to Texas. Hottovy never suited up for Texas, but the Rangers still owed Kansas City a player.

“They were releasing people,” Henry said. “I was one of the people Kansas City wanted.”

Kansas City assistant general manager J.J. Picollo said the Royals organization was familiar with Henry through scouting him at Centennial High School in Compton, Calif. He was seen plenty during his time in the Rangers system because of the shared complex.

“We trust the scout,” Picollo said. “We look for guys with tools, a good runner.”

Henry, who turned 20 years old last month, said his off-field issues are in the past. The Dallas Morning News reported that Henry was suspended in June 2012 after an arrest on a charge of possession of alcohol by a minor.

Picollo said there hasn’t been a problem. “Starts new with us,” he said.

Henry was drafted in the fourth round in 2011 by the Rangers, agreeing to a reported signing bonus of $200,000.

His career with the Texas organization ended up on a slippery slope. Then he had to establish himself in the pecking order.

“I was a fourth-rounder and they had a lot of elite players over there,” Henry said.

Kansas City director of player development Scott Sharp said there might have been natural apprehensions when Texas was willing to give up a fourth-draft draftee.

“He has been great since we got him,” Sharp said. “He was a high pick. He has been really good since we got him. The staff loves him, very personal guy. Sometimes a change of environment helps a guy.”

Henry played 25 minor-league games for the Rangers in parts of two seasons. Henry said the trade has worked out well as he has played in 39 games with Burlington and he has had a chance to show what he can do.

“I’m very comfortable,” Henry said. “They make you feel like you’re at home.”

The extra time in Surprise for extended spring training isn’t much of a treat for players. At least Henry could make comparisons this spring.

His breakdown: The Rangers’ side of the facility has a better lunch room. Kansas City’s weight room is superior.

Before the Appalachian League season began in mid-June, Henry became familiar with the personnel in his new organization.

After Alex Newman, who has become Burlington’s right fielder, was drafted in June, he was glad to see Henry already in the Kansas City organization. They knew each other from time together at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, and now they’re roommates.

“He has been in pro ball a little longer than me, and he has been nothing but good for me,” Newman said. “He’s laid back and he’s a good dude. He has been nothing but helping me.”

Henry has played as a left fielder and center fielder for Burlington. Shields said Henry’s ability to run down balls deep in the outfield has prevented runs.

He’s starting to pick up on offense.

“It started out slow,” said Henry, who hit at a .344 (11-for-32) clip during a recent eight-game stretch. “Trying to finish strong with the at-bats I do get.”

Henry said he was pegged for the seventh spot in the lineup when he joined the Royals organization and participated in extended spring training games. Eventually, he gravitated to the lead-off position, where he has been slotted for as long as he could remember.

Shields said Henry has been a good worker. Even when Henry hasn’t been in the lineup on a regular basis, he has championed other causes.

“I was pumped to be in there taking quality (batting practice),” Henry said after one game.